Catwoman is a fictional character first appearing over 85 years ago in issue 1 of the Batman comic book. After her debut she would appear in many forms of media including live-action and animated film, radio, live-action and animated television, records, video games, web series, live performance, and podcasts. The character has made live-action appearances in the Batman television series (1966–68), its film adaptation Batman (1966), Batman Returns (1992), Catwoman (2004), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Gotham (2014–19), and The Batman (2022). The character has also appeared in numerous animated television series and movies, most notably Batman: The Animated Series (1992–95) and The Lego Batman Movie (2017), as well as video games such as the Batman: Arkham series.
She has been portrayed in live action by Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Camren Bicondova, Lili Simmons and Zoë Kravitz, and has been voiced by Adrienne Barbeau, Grey DeLisle, Kravitz, Elizabeth Gillies, and numerous others.
Television Live-action
Catwoman appears in Batman (1966), portrayed by Julie Newmar in the first and second seasons, Eartha Kitt in the third season, Lee Meriwether in the series' film adaptation (see below)Based on the credits for the role of Catwoman. and an uncredited body double in the episode "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra". All three primary Catwomen are described by comic writer, Marc Andreyko, in an afterword to a Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 omnibus, as being akin to a "Darrin [Stevens]-in-Bewitched bit of silent recasting" and his colleague, co-writer Jeff Parker, liked how their story "leaves no one out and the readers got it immediately".Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 omnibus, DC Comics, 2017 In the TV series, Catwoman was given neither a background nor an alter ego. Instead, it focused on her costumed aspects. The costume created for the series was similar to the green catsuit that appeared in the comics at the time, though it was constructed by Newmar from black Lurex fabric. One of these costumes tailored for Newmar was later added to the Smithsonian Institution. Due to other commitments, Newmar was unavailable for the aforementioned film produced after the first season or for the series' third season. Catwoman appears in Birds of Prey, portrayed by Casey Elizabeth Easlick. This version is a metahuman with cat-like abilities and the mother of Huntress who was killed by Clayface years prior. A young Selina Kyle appears in Gotham, portrayed by Camren Bicondova as a teenager and Lili Simmons as an adult. This version is initially a 13-year-old thief and orphan who lives on Gotham City's streets and witnesses the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne. After being saved from the Dollmaker's henchmen by GCPD Detective Jim Gordon, she forms a tenuous alliance with him, promising to help him solve the Waynes' murder in exchange for reducing her criminal record. In the meantime, Gordon arranges for her to stay at Wayne Manor, where she befriends the young Bruce Wayne. Throughout the rest of the series, Selina overcomes her insecurities and develops a love-hate relationship with Bruce while helping him keep order in Gotham City despite often butting heads with him due to her moral ambiguity. While she takes inspiration from previous Catwoman actresses Michelle Pfeiffer and Anne Hathaway, among others, Bicondova wanted to portray a side of Kyle not seen before, focusing on her past. As the series finale jumps ten years into the future from the rest of the series, Bicondova did not feel comfortable portraying her character as an adult, and at her request, an older actress was chosen to portray the adult Kyle. Warner Bros. Television cast Simmons in the role, with her and Bicondova collaborating closely on the adult Kyle's characterization.
Animation
Catwoman was originally set to appear in the Challenge of the Superfriends as a member of the Legion of Doom. However, due to The New Adventures of Batman being in development at the time, Catwoman was unable to appear in the series and was eventually replaced with the Cheetah. Catwoman appears in The Batman/Superman Hour, voiced by Jane Webb. Similarly to the aforementioned Batman (1966) incarnation, this version wore her then-current green catsuit and heavy focus was placed on her costumed identity. Catwoman appears in The New Adventures of Batman, voiced by Melendy Britt. Catwoman appears in The Batman (2004), voiced by Gina Gershon. This version is a charity fundraiser in her civilian identity. Furthermore, her design is loosely based on the then-current costume used in the comic books, though with blue eyes instead of green. Catwoman, based on her Silver Age design, appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Nika Futterman. This version is a founding member of the Birds of Prey. Catwoman appears in the Mad episode "The Superhero Millionaire Matchmaker", voiced by Grey DeLisle. Catwoman appears in the DC's World's Funnest segment of DC Nation Shorts, voiced by Emma Reynolds. Additionally, an alternate timeline variant appears in the "Batman of Shanghai" segment, voiced by Stephanie Sheh. Catwoman appears in Robot Chicken, voiced by Alex Borstein in the episode "The Deep End" and Clare Grant in Robot Chicken DC Comics Special 2: Villains in Paradise. Additionally, she makes non-speaking appearances in the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special and Robot Chicken DC Comics Special III: Magical Friendship. This version is a member of the Legion of Doom. Catwoman appears in DC Super Hero Girls (2015), voiced by Cristina Pucelli. This version is a student of Super Hero High. Catwoman appears in Teen Titans Go!. This version behaves more akin to a feline. Catwoman appears in DC Super Hero Girls (2019), voiced by Cree Summer. This version is an African-American student of Metropolis High and the leader of the Super Villain Girls. Catwoman appears in Harley Quinn, voiced primarily by Sanaa Lathan and by Cherise Boothe in the fifth season. This version is Poison Ivy's ex-girlfriend of African-American descent who is said to be the "best burglar in all of Gotham". Catwoman appears in Batwheels, voiced by Gina Rodriguez. Catwoman, based on her Silver Age design, appears in the Batman: Caped Crusader episode "Kiss of the Catwoman", voiced by Christina Ricci. This version was previously wealthy before her father was imprisoned for embezzlement and the family's businesses were seized. In response, she adopts the identity of Catwoman and turns to petty burglary to maintain her former lifestyle only to be defeated by Batman and arrested by the police. Selina is later informed by her former maid Greta that all of her remaining possessions have been sold as compensation for lost wages.
DC Animated Universe
Catwoman appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), voiced by Adrienne Barbeau. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
First appearing in Batman: The Animated Series (1992), her design took inspiration from Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal, with long blonde hair in her civilian identity and a predominately gray catsuit with long black gloves and boots, causing her to resemble a seal-point Siamese cat. Furthermore, this series establishes Catwoman as a socialite and animal rights activist in addition to being a costumed thief in her early appearances and highlights her feelings towards Batman. Though she displays a crush on him, she tries to keep her distance from Batman and Bruce Wayne, who she previously dated. For The New Batman Adventures, Catwoman was redesigned to have an entirely black catsuit, light blue facial makeup, and short black hair. Catwoman appears in the short featurette "Chase Me". A spin-off focused on Catwoman was in production before being cancelled. Nonetheless, it was later reconsidered years later as a dual spin-off also focused on Nightwing.
Film Live-action
Crew Film Batman(1966) Batman Returns(1992) Catwoman(2004) The Dark Knight Rises(2012) The Batman(2022) Catwoman portrayer Lee Meriwether Michelle Pfeiffer Halle Berry Anne Hathaway Zoë Kravitz Director Leslie H. Martinson Tim Burton Pitof Christopher Nolan Matt Reeves Producer William Dozier Denise Di NoviTim Burton Denise Di NoviEdward L. McDonnell Emma ThomasChristopher NolanCharles Roven Matt ReevesDylan Clark Writer Lorenzo Semple Jr. Screenplay by: Daniel WatersStory by: Daniel Waters and Sam Hamm Screenplay by: John Brancato & Michael Ferris and John RogersStory by: Theresa Rebeck, John Brancato and Michael Ferris Screenplay by: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher NolanStory by: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer Matt ReevesPeter Craig Composer Nelson Riddle Danny Elfman Klaus Badelt Hans Zimmer Michael Giacchino Cinematography Howard Schwartz Stefan Czapsky Thierry Arbogast Wally Pfister Greig Fraser Editor Harry Gerstad Chris Lebenzon Sylvie Landra Lee Smith William Hoy Production Companies William Dozier ProductionsGreenlawn Productions Warner Bros.PolyGram Films Village Roadshow PicturesDi Novi Pictures Legendary PicturesSyncopy Films DC Films6th & IdahoDylan Clark Productions Distributor 20th Century Fox Warner Bros. Pictures Released July 30, 1966 June 19, 1992 July 23, 2004 July 20, 2012 March 4, 2022 Runtime 104 minutes 126 minutes 104 minutes 165 minutes 176 minutes
Catwoman appears in the movie Batman, portrayed by Lee Meriwether. Following production of the series' first season, Julie Newmar was intended to reprise the role until the producers learned she would be unavailable due to prior commitments. This version is based on the TV show Batman (1966). Selina Kyle / Catwoman appears in Batman Returns (1992), portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. For her design, screenwriter Daniel Waters took inspiration from Kyle's appearance in Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper while her characterization drew on her pre-Crisis interpretation. Prior to Pfeiffer's casting, Madonna, Jennifer Beals, Lorraine Bracco and Demi Moore were linked to the role, with Madonna in particular as the frontrunner, while Sean Young campaigned heavily to take on the role. When it was suggested to director Tim Burton that Pfeiffer was interested, the producers thought "She's perfect. She also could be both Selina Kyle and Catwoman."Shadows of the Bat: Cinematic Saga of the Dark Side of the Knight This version of Kyle is the mousy, lonely, and frustrated secretary of corrupt tycoon Max Shreck. After inadvertently stumbling onto his plot to steal Gotham City's electricity, he attempts to murder her. However, she is mysteriously revived by a group of cats. Returning home, she suffers a psychotic break and reinvents herself as the seductive and deadly Catwoman. While seeking revenge on Shreck, she allies herself with the Penguin, comes into conflict with Batman, and enters a brief relationship with Bruce Wayne, initially unaware that he is Batman. Eventually, she succeeds in killing Shreck, during which she is presumed dead as well. However, her body disappears while a figure wearing her suit later surfaces.